M2 Telecom has announced it has purchased telecommunications company Primus for $192 million in a move that will see the group consolidate its position for its NBN service.

 

Primus Australia, the local sub-division of American owned Primus, is the second such high-profile purchase of a second tier ISP in as many months after iiNet purchased Internode and a series of other small scale ISPs.

 

The purchase has been reported as an all cash consideration, with Primus joining a suite of significant assets for M2, including Commander, Southern Cross Telco and Simply Mobiles brands.

 

“We are delighted to bring Primus into the M2 Group,” said M2 chief executive Geoff Horth in a statement. “The combined group will benefit from the strengths that each entity brings, reinforcing M2′s position as the leading challenger in the small to medium business market. The introduction of the Primus suite of next generation services along with the skilled and passionate team will ensure our sales teams are armed with the latest managed/hosted service offerings to meet the needs of current and prospective customers. On behalf of the company, I look forward to welcoming the Primus team and customers to the M2 Group.”

 

The purchase will see M2 add 165,000 customers and 500 staff to its ranks.